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BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care

A career in health & social care is challenging, rewarding, interesting and exciting, requiring you to have a variety of skills, knowledge and expertise to succeed. The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care has been designed to be the only qualification in a two-year full-time study programme. It is an ideal pathway for students aiming to progress into a health and social care related degree or higher-level apprenticeship. It is equivalent to 3 A Levels on completion. BTEC Nationals provide transferable skills that universities value such as the ability to learn independently, research actively and methodically and to give presentations and be active group members.

Key information

Education & Care / Full Time / Level 3 Extended Diploma

Why choose this course?

This course provides a solid foundation for careers in healthcare, social work, and allied health professions. It integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, preparing students for both higher education and employment. With a growing demand for skilled professionals, this course offers a rewarding path to making a positive impact on people's lives.

What will I learn?

You will study 13 units over 2 years, this includes four externally assessed units:

Year 1:

· Human Lifespan and Development (exam) – PIES and factors affecting growth and development, interventions and the different professionals providing care and treatment

· Working in Health and Social Care (exam) – Explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

· Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs – Focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs.

· Principles of Safe Practice – Explore the importance of safe working practices, safeguarding procedures and responding to emergency situations in health and social care settings.

· Scientific Techniques for Health Science – Study a range of laboratory skills, including analysis of samples and microscope use to understand changes in cell features and aseptic prevention of cross-contamination.

· Understanding Mental Wellbeing – Explore the nature of and strategies to promote mental wellbeing and mental health, and the impact of mental ill health on individuals.

Year 2:

· Anatomy and Physiology (exam) – The structure, organisation and function of the human body, and anatomical and physiological systems and medical research related to disorders affecting these systems.

· Enquiries in Current Research in Health and Social Care (exam) – Explore the methodologies of contemporary research and investigate the implications for health and social care practice and services.

· Work Experience in Health and Social Care – Explore the benefits of work experience, carry out and reflect on a period of work experience and plan for personal and professional development. This unit has 100 hours of mandatory work experience attached to it.

· Promoting Public Health – Explore the aims of public health policy and the current approaches to promoting and protecting health and encouraging behaviour change in the population.

· Physiological Disorders and their Care – Explore types of physiological disorders, the procedures for diagnosis and the development of a treatment plan and provision of support for service users.

· Microbiology for Health Science – Cover the key microbiological concepts relevant to the field of health science and their role in manufacture of pharmaceutical products and medical diagnostics.

· Caring for Individuals with Dementia – Explore conditions leading to dementia, their causes, symptoms, the effects on individuals and the support required to ensure independence and dignity for individuals.

Assessment Arrangements

Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods including: exams, written assignments, portfolio and project work and discussions.

Information & Support

Throughout the course you would be required to complete at least 15 hours of independent study time per week. To support you in this you will have access to study materials online and will be provided with appropriate textbooks. An experienced team of lecturers, many of whom have worked in the health and social care profession, will support your learning. You will need to prepare to work hard independently, carry out in­depth research and use a variety of information sources.

Throughout the programme, lecturers and personal development tutors will actively encourage you to develop as individuals and provide ongoing pastoral and academic support. An important part of this course is work experience. You will have the opportunity to be placed in a variety of settings totalling a minimum of 100 hours which is a mandatory part of the course. Previous settings have included hospitals, residential homes for the elderly and day centres for clients with mental health problems or learning disabilities. Our dedicated Work Placement Officer will support you in finding a suitable placement that matches your interests and locality. Please note: A clear DBS certificate will be required in order to complete this course. The college will support you in applying for this and will cover the cost of this.

In order to progress onto a university course in Nursing, Midwifery or the Allied Health Professions, you will also need a Grade 4 in GCSE Science. It may be possible to do this alongside your course if necessary.

What will I need?

You will need four GCSEs at grade 4 including a 4 in English (Lang or Lit.) and / or Maths.

Whilst it is possible to re-take GCSE English and Maths at Callywith College, students can only study one of these subjects alongside our Level 3 courses and therefore all students must have at least one grade 4 in English or Maths at the point of enrolment (other course specific entry requirements apply).

Where will it take me?

Successful completion of the course will mean learners are fully prepared for a range of health and social care degree or higher level training programmes such as: Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Social Work, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Social Work as well as subject degrees such as Sociology, Psychology or Health and Social Care.

Additional Information

Awarding Body: Pearson Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma

To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk

From the course

Eden Olivia Sumeyye Darcy

Eden

Progression: Royal Navy Nurse Student - Birmingham City University

Course studied: Level 3 Health & Social Care Diploma

Extra Activites: National Citizen Service (NCS) and work experience shadowing healthcare professionals

Previous School: Bodmin College

How are you finding university and being a Royal Navy nurse student?

It feels great to finally be a naval nurse student, and feels like it was a long time coming with all the complications due to Covid-19.

Raleigh; the training for the Royal Navy which puts recruits through 10 weeks of intense fitness and mental challenges to ensure they are ready for the fleet and the military in general, was the hardest but most amazing thing I’ve done!

The training has been massively different to normal due to covid, but I learnt a lot about myself and managed to cope in harsh conditions and with discipline that I usually would have struggled with. It’s made me change so much as a person and I’ve loved every minute of it!

I applied directly through the Royal Navy and wasn’t given an option of choices of university as they use Birmingham University for all three forces, but when I went to view the university on an open day I loved it, so it definitely would have been a choice if I’d had it!

I had to complete a basic interview to join the navy in general and some psychometric tests, as well as a medical and fitness test (1.5 miles in under 14 minutes, which I did in 12.40). I was then sent away to HMS Sultan in Gosport near Portsmouth for a two day nursing interview board where I had to give a ten minute PowerPoint presentation on a nursing related topic. I had to do a table top maths exercise and a nursing interview and so it’s very competitive with a hard and long process as they only take on around 12 people a year for their nursing, so it’s really hard to get a place!

How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/transition to university?

I want to say thank you to my tutor at Callywith, Sara, for all of her help in getting me here. She helped me a lot with the things I struggled with and getting the grade I needed and I am very grateful! I am also very grateful to all of the Health & Social Care team for all of their teaching help over the two years I spent at Callywith, it’s helped me so much in my career so far and I’d recommend the course to anyone!

How has your Health & Social Care Diploma helped you in your course?

My time at Callywith helped me so much with preparing for my future career as the course in particular covers a lot of things such as policies, procedures and roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals that I needed for working in health care, as well as giving me the opportunity to complete 100 hours of work experience shadowing healthcare professionals such as nurses, which helped me know that this is exactly what I wanted to do! I felt a lot of encouragement and support at Callywith to go for every opportunity I could.

Olivia

Progression: Level 6 Adult Nursing Degree Apprenticeship - Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (University Centre Truro & Penwith)

Courses studied: Level 3 Health & Social Care Diploma

Previous school: Penrice Academy

What does your role as an apprentice involve?

Being both a healthcare and a student nurse - balancing work and social life, going to university and getting lots of hands-on experience.

In my role, I have also been appointed as the Nursing Student Ambassador for Cornwall at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) which allows me to use my voice to advocate for the needs of Nursing students and contribute to the advancement of Nursing education in our region.

The RCN is a trade union and professional body for Nurses. My primary responsibilities include offering support and guidance to my peers and ensuring health and well-being remains a top priority alongside their challenging and rewarding careers.

I am also a student representative for my cohort of Nursing Students at the University Centre Truro & Penwith and recently attended the Governor’s Conference where I had the opportunity to provide feedback and showcase my dedication to improving the student experience. Attending conferences will also be a part of my RCN role, where I will provide feedback from students directly from their placement experiences.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I didn’t want the debt or commute with uni and an apprenticeship allowed me to stay at home. I also chose an apprenticeship as it gave me the opportunity to be more hands on and learn on the job. I believe I have benefitted a lot more from an apprenticeship as I have built close relationships with a range of healthcare proffesionals who have taught me so much on the job.

How did Callywith support and influence your decision to do an apprenticeship?

My lecturers, especially Jess, pushed me to go for it as I enjoy being hands on! Callywith was great for me as the teaching staff were so passionate - they organised bespoke days and speakers to inspire us, as well as supporting us though UCAS.

What will your next steps be?

Once I have completed my degree apprenticeship, I plan to progress onto a Master’s Degree in Adult and Children’s Nursing. 

What advice would you give to students considering an apprenticeship?

Keep your options open, apply for a range of positions and universities.

Sumeyye

Progression: Operating Department Practice - Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent

Courses studied: Level 3 Health and Social Care Diploma

Extra Activities: Placement in a hospital setting

Previous School: Bodmin College

How are you finding your course/experience at university?

My uni experience has brought up many challenges but has taught me to be resilient.  The first lockdown affected my learning as I was not able to continue with placement, however for second year, I have been continuing with placement and attending face to face lessons. I thoroughly enjoy studying how the theatres operate, the anatomy of the body, pharmacology and the thrill of emergency procedures. 

How did your time at Callywith influence and support your choice of/ transition to university?

My time at Callywith influenced my transition to university because the Level 3 health and social care diploma allowed me to get my first ever placement experience in a hospital setting. The support from my lecturers at Callywith, especially Jen Brown, were incredibly supportive with my choice of course and helping me decide where to study. 

What do you enjoy in particular about studying Operating Department Practice?

ODP’s are highly trained members of the perioperative team who help in three main areas; anaesthetics, surgical, and post op anaesthesia. For me, I love how my role is specialised in theatres. I enjoy assisting surgeons during an operation and working as a multi disciplinary team. I have seen various interesting operations and my days at placement have been very productive. 

What are you hoping to do in the future?

In the future I am hoping to qualify and get a job in the NHS as an operating department practitioner. By taking this course, it has opened my eyes to medicine and inspired me to further my education in healthcare by considering applying to medicine.

Darcy

Progression: Mental Health Nursing Apprenticeship with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust through Plymouth University 

Courses studied: Level 3 Health & Social Care

Extra activities: Work placement at a Care home

Previous school: Looe Community Academy

How did Callywith support you in your apprenticeship application?

Callywith really helped my experience of applying and made me feel less stressed and more organised for my interview.

Sara, my tutor, helped me a lot with my apprentice application on the NHS job site.

Why did you choose the apprenticeship route?

I was really interested in becoming a mental health nurse due to going on placement at a care home with residents with dementia and loving the aspect of helping people with difficulties with their mental health. I also chose the apprenticeship route as I liked the idea of not getting into debt from student loans, and still getting the same opportunity as student nurses, but also having a benefit and being paid. 

How are you finding the apprenticeship?

I successfully got on the course doing mental health nursing and I am loving it. Currently, due to coronavirus it is a bit different compared to what it would be like without lockdown. I am doing my placement in Bodmin in a rehabilitation centre with patients who struggle with their mental health. Usually when I have my lectures (online) it would be 4/5 times a week about 6 hours a day, sometimes less. We haven’t been able to complete some training due to coronavirus, but I still have been having an amazing experience.

What does a day in the workplace involve?

On placement I have been learning about medication doses for anti-psychotics, anti-depressants and stimulants for patients with autism. On top of this I’m learning about medication that isn’t just for mental health as well. I communicate with the patients and do activities as well as do care plans, sit in on their meetings to be discharged and lots more.

What is your favourite part of the apprenticeship?

The best thing about this apprenticeship is that I am loving having experience becoming a future registered nurse, as well as getting paid and still having the exact same experience alongside student nurses from Plymouth University.

What are your top tips for considering an Apprenticeship?

- Be prepared to do a bit more work on the side than students at a university who don’t get paid. As an apprentice we need to add more work on a website called ‘Aptem’ that we explain what we’ve been doing at university, so they know we are doing work.
 
- Be very professional during your interview and come prepared. During your interview you will be asked lots of questions and expected to answer properly. 
 
- Don’t be too harsh on yourself / don’t stress too much. I haven’t had experience in mental health, and I was still chosen. You are judged on how willing you are to learn, not how experienced you are.
 
- Be open minded. You may not like that you’ve been put on a ward with dementia residents for placement because that’s not what you want to do. BUT, it’s all about experience and gaining more insights in different sorts of mental health settings. Plus you may LOVE it.

When do you finish & what will your next steps be?

I will officially finish my degree in 3 years and will become a registered mental health nurse and hopefully go on to work in a prison helping children/teenagers with mental health illness.

How to apply to Callywith College

Find out HOW TO APPLY